News

Farmers in East Encouraged to Adopt Jersey Cattle Breed

17 June 2019

RWANDA - Jersey cattle adapt well to various climates and production systems compared to other high producing exotic cattle, Dr Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General of Animal Research and Technology Transfer at Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) has said.

Experts in animal husbandry concur that, unlike many breeds originating from temperate climates, the Jersey has the ability to effectively tolerate heat.

Gahiga Gashumba, the Chairman of Rwanda National Dairy Farmers’ Federation, told The New Times that Jersey are the right choice for farmers in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, which is prone to drought that often causes pasture and water shortages.

"Jersey cows have quality milk. They should be kept in Eastern Province because they tolerate heat and eat less," he said.

Dr Uwituze observed that for a Rwandan farmer considering to produce milk, Jersey cows and Jersey crosses are the most beneficial cows to keep when considering production and returns from milk.

She was speaking to The New Times ahead of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau annual meeting and tour scheduled from 17 to 21 June 2019 in Rwanda.